Al Fresco Dining

Here in Michigan outdoor dining is an inalienable right that we pay for while shivering and shoveling all winter. And now that it’s here, let’s talk about how we celebrate our right to dine al fresco: under expansive umbrellas and shade-giving trees, on breezy rooftop decks, while tippling something frosty, noshing something tasty, the sun and sky are a daydream reflected in our shades. And here’s where we do it:

Best For: Warm nights with good company and enough time to eat a slow, multi-course meal.

Dominick's

812 Monroe St 734-662-5414

The Setup: Three outdoor options at this University mainstay: two levels of rickety, frat-like, ski-lodge-esque front porch seating, and a backyard patio equipped with a gazebo, a fountain, and plenty of picnic table seating.

Number of Tables: Lots—and standing if need be.

Overhead: Covered front porch. A pavilion shades a few tables in the back, while the majority of the backyard seating goes unveiled.

Zingerman's Delicatessen

The Setup: Like a law of the universe, Zingerman’s culinary empire is forever expanding. With this year’s addition of a rooftop deck, the outdoor dining areas have been upped to 4: rooftop, indoor/outdoor seating behind a set of roll-up garage doors, pavilion seating, and a few tables on the walkway between the deli and Zingerman’s Next Door–a coffee and dessert shop.

Number of Tables: 13 rooftop, 40 combining the pavilion and the walkway, 13 indoor/outdoor.

Guides

Current caught up with local health and wellness experts to find out what’s new and trending in their fields, how the years have shaped their perspectives, and what some of the best tips are for enjoying a happy and healthy 2018.